Object Velocity 0.00: How to Tell if It's Not Moving

  • Context: High School 
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    Negative Velocity
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding how to determine if an object's velocity is zero, exploring the distinction between speed and velocity, and addressing misconceptions related to vector quantities in physics.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asks how to ascertain that an object's velocity is 0.00 or below, implying a need for clarity on the concept of motion.
  • Another participant clarifies that velocity is a vector quantity, which includes both direction and magnitude, while speed is only the magnitude and is always non-negative.
  • A different participant expresses confusion, suggesting that the length of the velocity vector cannot be negative and posits that it must be at least 1.
  • In response, a participant explains that the length of the velocity vector represents speed, which can be zero, indicating no movement.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants exhibit some disagreement regarding the interpretation of velocity and its magnitude, particularly concerning the implications of a zero velocity and the nature of vector quantities.

Contextual Notes

There appears to be a misunderstanding about the relationship between velocity, speed, and their respective magnitudes, which remains unresolved in the discussion.

wraithseeker
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How do you know that a object's velocity is 0.00 or below meaning that is not moving at all?
 
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You're confusing speed and velocity. Velocity is a vector, it has direction and magnitude. The speed is that magnitude. Speed is strictly positive, while velocity can be negative.
 
But when I get the length of the velocity vector, it can never get to negative and I think that the lowest is 1?
 
The length is the magnitude, aka the speed, which can never be negative (of course it can be 0, that just means there's no movement).
 

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